How to identify, prevent and treat dental issues in guinea pigs

What are dental issues?Much to some people's disbelief, the front four teeth (incisors) on a guinea pig are actually not all their teeth. Guinea pigs have a total of 20 teeth, with the other 16 (molars) further back in the mouth. Unlike humans, guinea pig's teeth do not fall out and a replacement tooth grow, their teeth are constantly growing. Guinea pigs can develop a range of dental issues but the most common are overgrown teeth and broken teeth.

How do they occur?Dental issues most commonly occur due to diet related issues, falls or genetic problems. A lack of roughage in the diet, especially guinea pigs who are not fed an unlimited supply of hay, face overgrown teeth (incisors and molars). Guinea pigs who have a fall often face broken teeth, although breaks in the incisors can also be related to an overgrown issue.

How can you identify it?Guinea pigs suffering from overgrown teeth, especially overgrown molars, cannot be physically seen due to the fat pads in piggy cheeks. To identify dental issues at home, you may notice a drop in your guinea pig's weight, your guinea pig struggling to eat, eating very slowly or not eating at all.

How do you prevent it?The most important way to prevent dental issues in your guinea pig relates directly to diet. Ensuring your guinea pig always has an unlimited supply of grassy or barley hay in long strands in their enclosure will help them to keep the back molars down. It's important to note that the average lawn height grass does not provide the same chewing as long strands of hay does. Also ensuring that your guinea pig has some calcium and a high amount of vitamin c in their diet can assist in ensuring strong healthy teeth.

How do you treat it?It is important to note you should never try and treat your guinea pigs dental issues at home. the use of scissors, clippers or any other device to trim the teeth is extremely dangerous and can lead to snapped teeth and gum issues. If you suspect dental issues it's extremely important to take your guinea pig to the vet. If a guinea pig goes 8 hours without eating, it's digestive system begins to shut down and develop statis. A vet will have the tools to examine the teeth and may also opt to do an x-ray. Using special dental equipment they are then able to trim the teeth.

When should you see a vet?If you suspect dental issues it's extremely important to ensure you take your guinea pig to the vet. If a guinea pig goes 8 hours without eating, it's digestive system begins to shut down and develop statis.